CRPC researchers are using ARPACK and PDS to optimize the design of laminated beams.

The use of layered or sandwich structures is now a well-recognized means by which energy may be dissipated in flexible structures. The idea is simple, namely, to alternate layers of stiff elastic material with layers of soft viscous material.

As usual however the science of such structures has taken a back seat to the issues of fabrication and specific application. In particular, the mathematical models have been crude and one does not find an application-independent characterization of the notion of vibration absorption.

The recent work of Hansen and coworkers has dramatically improved the situation viz a viz models. Our efforts amount to clarifying the design issues in light of their work.